Pawsitively Intrepidhttp://pawsitivelyintrepid.com
Exploring the Adventure of Life with PetsSun, 06 May 2018 00:59:22 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.6https://i2.wp.com/pawsitivelyintrepid.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/cropped-Untitled-1.png?fit=32%2C32Pawsitively Intrepidhttp://pawsitivelyintrepid.com
3232129884829Hot Springs National Parkhttp://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/hot-springs-national-park/
http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/hot-springs-national-park/#respondSun, 06 May 2018 00:49:22 +0000http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/?p=1158Located in Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park is one of the few dog-friendly National Parks in the United States. It is a unique mixture of city streets and hiking trails that was built around its main feature – hot springs. The hot springs have been a main attraction for hundreds of years. One of the earliest reports is from 1541 when it is believed that Native Americans led Hernanado de Soto to “Valley of the Vapors.” The first true log...

]]>Located in Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park is one of the few dog-friendly National Parks in the United States. It is a unique mixture of city streets and hiking trails that was built around its main feature – hot springs. The hot springs have been a main attraction for hundreds of years. One of the earliest reports is from 1541 when it is believed that Native Americans led Hernanado de Soto to “Valley of the Vapors.” The first true log bathhouse was built in 1830. Shortly after, in 1832, President Andrew Jackson gave the hot springs federal protection as a reservation. This makes Hot Springs 40 years older than Yellowstone, the world’s first national park. Hot Springs acquired National Park status in 1921.

Dog-Friendly Activities

Hot Springs is the smallest national park, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do with your pup in tow. In fact, all 26 miles of Hot Springs’ trail system are open for use with your furry friends. The only regulation is that they are kept on a leash no more than six feet in length at all times. And they are not allowed in the visitor center or other park buildings.

The trails are overall very well maintained with a mix of easy and moderate trails. The longest trail is Sunset Trail. This trail is over 10 miles in length, but if making a complete loop, plan on 14-15 miles total. This trail takes you through varied terrain and past some scenic overlooks. If you are up for it, this trail is a must-do activity. Be aware that there is a small section that walks along highway 7 – which is a busy road. Watch closely for traffic.

The view from an overlook parking lot accessible from Sunset Trail.

When we walked Sunset Trail we took took the trail from Gulpha Gorge campground up to High Mountain trail and then to Shortcut Trail into the city of Hot Springs. After spending a few minutes on the Grand Promenade trail near Bathhouse Row, we then meandered through the city (on Prospect Road) to a small trail head that brought us up to Sunset trail. We took a short detour to get a wonderful view of the valley at the parking lot of West Mountain Summit drive., then proceeded along Sunset trail for 12+ miles (totaling well over 14 miles during the entire hike).

There are many other trails that leave from the campground. Most of these connect to Bathhouse Row – the main attraction of Hot Springs National Park. Or, if you prefer scenic views to town streets, you can hike up to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for some views of the surrounding valley. (Note that the tower itself requires a fee to climb).

Here Glia poses on the river crossing at the trailhead from Gulpha Gorge Campground.

And don’t forget to head down to Bathhouse Row and walk the Grand Promenade – a paved path behind the bathhouses. We took the Dead Chief trail from the campground to the Grand Promenade, which was a lovely connection and made a nice roughly 5 mile total out and back hike/walk.

The Grand Promenade behind Bathhouse Row.

Besides the park buildings themselves, the city portion of Hot Springs is relatively dog friendly also. Some shops even have water bowls out for the dogs and the burger joint, Bubbalous, (at the time of writing this post) allowed dogs to sit inside the restaurant at their front table. This is the only restaurant that we ate at during our stay in Hot Springs, but if you know of other dog-friendly restaurants in the area, please let us know in the comments below.

Camping

The campground at Hot Springs National Park has full hook-ups (water, electricity, and sewer) and, at the time of this post, cost $30/night. It is a first come, first served campground, so arrive early during the busy season. The campground is fairly spacious with lots of green grass and sits on the edge of a small river.

We fit our 29 foot RV in with no problems, but did have to do a bit of leveling for our site. The dogs had ample space to move around on the grass and each site came complete with either a fire-pit or raised picnic-style grill.

Cooling off in the river by the campground.

Activities in the Surrounding Areas

Hot Springs National Park is adjacent to Ouchita National Forest, which was beautiful to drive through. If you have the time, it looks like a wonderful National Forest to explore. We traveled down from Minnesota, so took advantage of a few stops north of Hot Springs and Ouchita National Forest.

Wallace State Park in Missouri was our first overnight stop. This was a lovely State Park campground with clean bathrooms and great showers. The hiking trails were nice, moderate, and dog-friendly. (See pictures below)

We spent our second night in Ozark National Forest at Shores Lake Campground (in the Boston Mountains area). The roads were narrow and winding heading in to this remote campground, but our RV made it. The campground itself was lovely with only a handful of campers in the entire campsite (midweek in late April). A 14 mile loop trail left from the campground. We only hiked 2-3 miles of this trail, but it was beautiful with mountain streams. It would be a lovely place to go back and visit. (See pictures below)

To learn more about our National Parks adventure, check out our main National Parks page. Or if you are curious about general pet regulations at the various National Parks, check out this summary.

]]>http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/hot-springs-national-park/feed/01158Crossing the Border with Pets: Canada Editionhttp://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/crossing-the-border-with-pets-canada-edition/
http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/crossing-the-border-with-pets-canada-edition/#respondSun, 01 Apr 2018 22:45:12 +0000http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/?p=1050If you grew up in the United States like I did, there are only two borders that you can cross when taking a road-trip out of the country: Mexico or Canada. Crossing into Canada is relatively easy, but what about when you are taking a pet with you? Read on to discover what you need to know about crossing the border with pets. USDA APHIS USDA APHIS stands for the United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection...

]]>If you grew up in the United States like I did, there are only two borders that you can cross when taking a road-trip out of the country: Mexico or Canada. Crossing into Canada is relatively easy, but what about when you are taking a pet with you? Read on to discover what you need to know about crossing the border with pets.

USDA APHIS

USDA APHIS stands for the United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. They are the go-to resource for pet travel into and out-of the United States. Their website allows you to pick your country of export or import. For each location, they provide a list of specific requirements needed for traveling with pets. I highly recommend checking this site prior to any international travel with pets. This site will give you the most up to date information available.

Canada’s Requirements for Crossing the Border with Pets

First, it is important to note that although the requirements for cats and dogs are similar, there may be small variations for some countries (especially if animals are not traveling with their owners). On the USDA APHIS website, each category is listed separately.

For dogs and cats traveling with their owners, the following documentation is needed:

Proof of Rabies Vaccination

Yep, that’s it. If your pet is traveling with you, all you need is your pet’s rabies certificate. If your dog is not traveling with you, you may also need a health certificate.

Also, if your pet is too young to be vaccinated for rabies, check out the age specific requirements.

United States’ Requirements for Crossing the Border with Pets

So you made it across the border into Canada. You had a lovely trip with your pet. Now you want to return to the United States. What do you need?

What if Your Pet is Flying?

Additional documentation may be needed if your pet is flying into the country. See your specific airline for details. And also research thoroughly regarding your airlines pet policies. Different airlines will allow dogs in different areas of the cabin, have different temperature control regulations, etc.

Time to Plan an International Vacation

Now that you know the basics for traveling between Canada and the USA with pets, it is time to plan a trip. On our “Great American Road Trip” Glia and I are incorporating a brief border crossing to visit Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada. This park borders Glacier National Park and is much more pet friendly. The images online look stunning and we are so excited to have an alternative to Glacier. Glacier is a stunning park that I have visited once without Glia, and I highly recommend visiting. However, dogs are not allowed on any of the trails there. Since Glia and I love hiking, we can’t wait to explore a similarly beautiful national park just across the border.

What are your experiences crossing the Canadian border with your pet(s)? If you are planning your first road trip with a pet, check out our list of planning suggestions.

]]>http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/crossing-the-border-with-pets-canada-edition/feed/01050How to Plan a Pet-Friendly Road Triphttp://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/how-plan-pet-friendly-road-trip/
http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/how-plan-pet-friendly-road-trip/#respondWed, 21 Mar 2018 22:16:47 +0000http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/?p=1038Road trips are a tried and true method of adventuring and traveling the nearby world. There is something so invigorating about hitting the open road and cruising to places previously unknown. As an added benefit, driving is one of the most pet-friendly modes of transportation. However, traveling with pets does take a little added planning. Follow the steps below to make sure your pet-friendly road trip is a success. 1. Make Sure Your Pet Is Comfortable In The Car The...

]]>Road trips are a tried and true method of adventuring and traveling the nearby world. There is something so invigorating about hitting the open road and cruising to places previously unknown. As an added benefit, driving is one of the most pet-friendly modes of transportation. However, traveling with pets does take a little added planning. Follow the steps below to make sure your pet-friendly road trip is a success.

1. Make Sure Your Pet Is Comfortable In The Car

The first, and most crucial, step is to make sure that your pet will actually enjoy the road trip. And that starts with making sure that your pet is comfortable in the vehicle.

If your dog or cat is already used to driving, great. If not, start slowly. Use positive training methods (read treats or another equally great reward) to associate getting in the car with good experiences. Some pets will easily adapt to the engine noise and movement, but if your dog or cat is showing signs of stress – shaking, vocalizing, stiff body posture, yawning, or hyper-salivating – then you will need to break this training up into small steps.

Start by just running the car in the driveway and rewarding your pet for calm behaviors anytime the car is running. Once you have accomplished that step, start with short drives around the block. Work your way up to short road trips before attempting a long trip. And remember, be patient. This may take a day for one pet, but may take a month or more before another pet is comfortable enough for a big road trip.

Also, don’t forget that for some pets, anxiety in the car is linked with motion sickness. If your pet vomits during or after car rides, or simply just drools excessively, talk to your veterinarian about starting a medication for motion sickness.

2. Safety

For most of us, it is almost automatic to get in a car and buckle-up. However, many of us overlook securing our pets. It is recommended to develop some type of safe riding system for your pets. The two most common methods are utilizing secured crates or harness-to-seat belt attachments. These systems accomplish two main tasks: First, it restricts how far your pet will fly in a car crash, thus keeping them safer. Two, it limits distractions while driving. A secure pet cannot crawl on your lap or under your feet or get into things while you are driving.

If you are interested in purchasing a dog harness that has been tested for safety during car crashes, check out Sleepypod products.

4. Proper Identification

Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with an updated phone number while traveling. If your pet was to get loose, the first thing people check for is a phone number on a collar id tag. This will be the fastest way to reunite with your pet.

I also recommend having your pet microchipped. Collars can be removed, but a microchip is much more permanent. Every stray pet that comes into a shelter/rescue/veterinary clinic should be scanned. Once scanned, the information will be entered and if your information is update online, the organization will find your phone number. They can then call and let you know where your pet is. There are a lot of positive stories about pet-owner reunions thanks to microchip identification.

3. Plan in Frequent Potty Breaks

Know your pets and make sure you provide adequate opportunities for them to stretch their legs and relieve themselves. I like to think of it like traveling with toddlers. Plan for your road trip to take a little longer than when you travel alone. I like to give my dog a 10 minute break every 3 hours or so (normally when I stop for gas, bathroom breaks, or food), but each pet is different. And I make sure she still gets a longer walk before, after, or during our travel days.

4. Pet-friendly Accommodations

When you aren’t used to traveling with pets, it can be easy to assume that all campgrounds accept pets. Or that it won’t be much of a hassle to find a pet-friendly hotel while on the road. However, the last thing you want while on the road, is to be unable to find a place to sleep at night. Even if you are not keeping to a strict itinerary, I recommend finding a few pet-friendly accommodations in the area you are traveling to ahead of time. That way you have back-up options already figured out.

USA today wrote an article that nicely summarizes some pet-friendly hotel chains. And make sure to check how many pets they allow and if there are any breed restrictions. The same applies to campgrounds. I have seen many campgrounds restrict the number of pets allowed at each campsite.

5. Pet-friendly activities

Another big question to answer before taking an epic road trip with your pup or kitty, is whether or not the planned activities are pet-friendly. Do you want to go hiking or visit museums? Are you happy eating on a patio or at a picnic table or do you want to sample the local 5-star restaurants? If you want a combination of these activities, do you have a plan for where your pet will stay while you enjoy activities that they are not welcome at?

As we announced in our latest blog post, Glia and I are heading out on a 3-month long road trip next month. Frisko is being watched by a dear friend of mine, as he has not passed the criteria outlined in step one. Essentially, he hates cars and driving! However, even just having Glia with will limit our options and activities on this road trip. For me, having her along is worth missing out on a few sites and experiences.

We do not have a strict itinerary for our 3-month adventure. However, I found it important to research the dog-friendliness of locations ahead of time. Especially because we want to do lots of hiking and many national parks have heavy restrictions on dogs. As a result, I have spent a lot of time finding nearby trails that are dog-friendly.

So whatever the activities you want to engage in, I highly recommend researching ahead of time. There is nothing worse than planning an epic adventure, arriving at your destination, and finding out that your travel companion is not allowed to participate.

6. Plans for Pet Care

As mentioned above, many people may want to participate in a combination of pet-friendly and non-pet-friendly activities while on the road. If this is you, the good news is that there are many options for pet care in today’s world. Places like Disney World even have pet boarding right outside their front gates. Some of the national parks have kennels that can be used for a small charge (but read up on these, as they are not all directly supervised and you will need to provide your own water bowl, blanket, etc).

If the location you are visiting does not have it’s own boarding option, check out local doggy daycares and boarding facilities. Again, I recommend planning ahead so you have time to read reviews and make sure you are comfortable leaving your pet at a specific kennel.

If you plan on using a daycare or boarding facility, make sure you are traveling with a record of vaccination (including a copy of the rabies certificate) for your pet.

7. Traveling with Medical Records

Speaking of vaccination records, I highly recommend traveling with a copy of your pet’s recent medical records. If your pet is injured or falls ill while on the road, having a copy of recent veterinary visits can help expedite care at an emergency veterinary clinic.

If your medical records do not include a quick list of current medications, make one yourself. Some medications can interact with each other, and any veterinarian you see will want to know what current medications your pet receives.

8. Packing List

Speaking of medications, make sure you pack them and have enough to last the entire trip. The list below is my own list of items to bring when traveling with Glia. Many of these items stay packed in her travel backpack year round to help prevent me from forgetting something.

Food and water to last the trip

Food and water bowls

Current medications

Collar (with current id tag), harness, leash

+/- Tie Out (for camping)

Toys

Bed

+/- Sweater/boots (only needed in the winter or when hiking on rough terrain)

Now it’s Time to Get on the Road with your Pet:

Writing this list has made me even more excited to get on the road with Glia soon. Do you road trip with your pet often? Comment with any items you think should be added to this list. Or just let us know where your next road trip is taking you and your pet. It is always fun to hear about the adventures of other humans and their furry companions.

]]>http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/how-plan-pet-friendly-road-trip/feed/01038A Great American Road Trip – #RVLifehttp://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/great-american-road-trip-rvlife/
http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/great-american-road-trip-rvlife/#respondThu, 15 Mar 2018 02:26:36 +0000http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/?p=951Glia and I have some exciting news to share! We are planning a great American road trip. Our goal: to start a journey that will end with visiting all 46 of the National Parks in the 48 contiguous United States. The National Parks system in the United States is a wonderful, varied, and extensive system of protected space, hiking trails, and unique ecosystems. It would take years to properly explore all of the places the National Parks system has to...

]]>Glia and I have some exciting news to share! We are planning a great American road trip. Our goal: to start a journey that will end with visiting all 46 of the National Parks in the 48 contiguous United States.

The National Parks system in the United States is a wonderful, varied, and extensive system of protected space, hiking trails, and unique ecosystems. It would take years to properly explore all of the places the National Parks system has to offer. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, this trip will not take years. Instead, we are creating a smaller trip that will attempt to explore a sample of each National Park.

Pets in National Parks

If you have done much research on taking dogs to National Parks, you probably already know. National Parks can have some strict pet regulations. Unfortunately, the majority of the parks do not allow dogs out of the campgrounds or off of the paved roads. There are even two parks Glia is not allowed past the visitor center parking lots of – Channel Islands and Isle Royal (both are mostly islands with protected ecosystems). For more information, check out our list of pet-friendly and not-so-friendly National Parks.

Additionally, if anyone is counting, most lists report 47 National Parks in the “lower 48”. For the purposes of this road trip, Dry Tortugas National Park, which is located approximately 70 miles off the shore of Florida, will not be considered contiguous. The main reason being that it requires a private charter to get a non-service dog to the island. And I am not sure that a private charter counts as part of a road trip anyway. For those of you with your own boats, this island is reported to be pretty dog-friendly once you have arrived.

Thankfully, many of the national parks are surrounded by amazing national forests and other protected areas. So for the National Parks that are not that pet-friendly, we will be exploring the sites just outside of the park boundaries. When we do get to the dog-friendly national parks, we will spend extra time enjoying these locations. In the end we should have a great list of dog-friendly activities in or near the United State’s 46 road-accessible National Parks in the “lower 48”.

Inspiration For This Trip

A couple years ago (2016), it was the National Parks’ 100th birthday. During that year, I saw a post by Dr. Randall Olsen – outlining the shortest driving route across the United States that visited all 47 National Parks in the contiguous 48 states. At that point, I wasn’t ready for a months long road trip, but I stored the information away. I thought it would be several years before I could make a similar trip a reality. Luckily for me, the opportunity came a mere two years later. As it became time in my life to make a job change, I figured that there was no better time for a long road trip than between two jobs.

Although inspired by Dr. Olsen, I will ultimately be using a slightly different trip route created by Travis Tamez for IsleBox.com. This alternate route is a little longer, but allows me to accommodate the acquisition of some travel companions while on the road.

Our Home On Wheels

The large majority of this trip will take place in our 1995 Minnie Winnie. The Minnie Winnie will be taking us from Minnesota to Arkansas to the West Coast and back to Minnesota. It is unlikely that she will make the trip out East, as several of those parks are dog-friendly enough for some good backpacking trips. And the logistics of parking an RV while we are out backpacking is daunting.

As a used model, the Minnie Winnie is undergoing a few small repairs prior to travel. But, thanks to my wonderful father’s handiwork, she should be ready to get on the road by April.

Glia and I are used to camping, but we have never traveled in an RV before. I am sure there will be many challenges and good laughs along the way. However, we are excited to essentially travel with our own small apartment. Who knows, if #RVLife goes well, maybe the next step is #VanLife.

The Great American Road Trip Begins…

Our journey begins on earth day, April 22nd, 2018. We are just finishing the planning stages now, but could always add a few more hikes to our list. Anyone have some can’t miss dog-friendly hiking opportunities in or around the United State’s National Parks?

We can’t wait to explore more of the United States and share our explorations with you, my dear readers. We hope to still stick to our once weekly posting schedule, but please forgive us if we fall a little behind. Our internet service may be spotty at some of our locations. Use the links on the side to find our Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts, if you want to follow our day to day life along our journey.

]]>http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/great-american-road-trip-rvlife/feed/0951Ruffwear Webmaster Harness Reviewhttp://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/ruffwear-webmaster-harness-review/
http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/ruffwear-webmaster-harness-review/#respondThu, 08 Mar 2018 00:10:00 +0000http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/?p=949Glia and I are big fans of Ruffwear products. For those of you have not heard of Ruffwear, they are a company that makes performance dog gear for outdoor adventures. Glia and I ordered our first Ruffwear product in 2017, the front range harness. While we loved the color and quality, the front range harness had a habit of sliding onto her neck when she walked behind me and the leash tugged her forward. So this year, we purchased the...

]]>Glia and I are big fans of Ruffwear products. For those of you have not heard of Ruffwear, they are a company that makes performance dog gear for outdoor adventures. Glia and I ordered our first Ruffwear product in 2017, the front range harness. While we loved the color and quality, the front range harness had a habit of sliding onto her neck when she walked behind me and the leash tugged her forward. So this year, we purchased the Ruffwear Webmaster Harness.

Features of the Ruffwear Webmaster Harness

This harness currently comes in 3 different colors: red currant, twilight gray, and blue dusk. We chose the blue dusk, because I love bright colors against Glia’s dark fur.

The Webmaster was designed with security in mind. When compared with the Front Range, it features an extra strap that is buckled around the waist of the dog. This extra strap effectively prevents a dog from backing out of the harness. For me, the simplicity of having this extra strap provides a lot more security when out hiking with Glia. It is a great feeling not having to worry about Glia slipping her harness in the middle of an unfamiliar trail.

Here are three images of the Front Range harness for comparison.

As an added bonus, the extra strap also allows me to use the handle on the harness to help lift and assist her across difficult terrain. This is rarely something Glia needs, but it is still a handy feature.

It should be noted that unlike the Front Range harness, there is no front/chest leash attachment to help reduce pulling. Nor are there buckles on both side of the harness. This requires that Glia does step one of her front legs through the harness when putting it on. This shouldn’t be a problem for most dogs who are already used to wearing any type of harness or clothing, but it is a consideration for some dogs and their humans.

Sizing

Unfortunately for us, Glia’s chest circumference is 27 inches, which is just on the line of Ruffwear’s cut-off for sizing between a small and a medium. For the front range harness, the recommendation was to choose the larger size, which worked out okay. However, the fact that it is on the medium is on larger size for her might contribute to the way it slides forward. For the Webmaster harness, Ruffwear recommends choosing the smaller size when dogs are in between sizes.

The small fits Glia pretty well. The straps around her chest and waist have plenty of room for adjustment and easily accomodate her winter sweater.

The yoke/collar straps around her neck, however, are maxed out. As is the adjustment that extends the distance from the the front triangle of the collar to the strap that sits just behind her armpits. Even with this strap maxed out, the strap around her chest does pull towards her armpits a little more than I would like. In certain positions, there is some contact with the thin skin of her armpits. In good news, despite this contact, I have had no issues with rubbing or pressure sores on short 1-2 hour hikes. We will update this section if any of our longer hikes this spring/summer change that assessment.

Here you can see how the main chest strap is pulled slightly forward towards her armpits. This due to the lack of further adjustment of the strap that runs between her front legs. She is pretty deep chested, so other dogs may not have this problem.

I will note that I also ordered this harness for Sasha, our King Charles Cavalier Spaniel mix. Her chest circumference measured in at 16cm, which was within the sizing for an XXS. However, when we fit the XXS to her, the straps were all almost fully maxed out. So we ordered the XS and it fits great.

Durability

So far both Ruffwear harness have stood up very well to Glia’s abusive use of them. Every time she wears a harness, there is at least one point during the walk when she rolls around in the dirt, mud, grass, or snow. The front range harness has gone through the wash a couple of times without adverse effect. And so far, all buckles and straps have held up wonderfully to normal wear and tear. (Our normal wear and tear includes the above rolling, occasional darts at squirrels while on leash, etc.)

Overall Rating

Although the Ruffwear Webmaster harness is a little more expensive than most of the harnesses you will find at the average pet store (priced at $59.95), it is worth the price. Between the quality/durability and secure fit, I would recommend this harness for any outdoor adventure dog. This is Glia’s go-to harness for all of our day hikes. It is right up there on the list with a leash and poop bags. Check out our other hiking essentials recommendations.

Does your dog wear a harness when hiking? What is your favorite brand and why?

]]>http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/ruffwear-webmaster-harness-review/feed/0949Coulee Experimental Forest: A nearly hidden hiking experiencehttp://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/coulee-experimental-forest-nearly-hidden-hiking-experience/
http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/coulee-experimental-forest-nearly-hidden-hiking-experience/#respondWed, 28 Feb 2018 14:34:42 +0000http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/?p=966When Glia and I first moved to La Crosse, I spent a fair amount of time trying to find the local hiking trails. During my online research, I stumbled across the Coulee Experimental Forest. The Coulee Experimental Forest is a Wisconsin DNR managed property located near Barre Mills, WI (just east of La Crosse). I consider this a “hidden” hiking spot, because there is no way I would have ever stumbled upon this trailhead without a little research. There is...

]]>When Glia and I first moved to La Crosse, I spent a fair amount of time trying to find the local hiking trails. During my online research, I stumbled across the Coulee Experimental Forest.

The Coulee Experimental Forest is a Wisconsin DNR managed property located near Barre Mills, WI (just east of La Crosse). I consider this a “hidden” hiking spot, because there is no way I would have ever stumbled upon this trailhead without a little research. There is minimal signage and Russlan Coulee Rd, the country road the trailhead is located on, announces its low maintenance status prior to ever seeing the forest signs. (Technically there is a second trail head that may be more obvious, but I have never approached from County Road II.)

It is hidden for another reason also. I have never run into more than one other person/hiking group per trip during any of my hour+ long hikes here. Be aware though, that the “top” of this hike (which can be accessed from the trailhead off of Country Road II) are groomed for skiing in the winter. There may be more traffic when the snow cover is adequate for skiing.

Basic Rules and Regulations to be Aware Of:

I have not seen any dog-leash rules posted at this state forest, so it appears legal to have dogs off-leash. However, please continue to follow hiking with dogs etiquette and recall your dog prior to passing other trail users. (As a side note: Glia stays on leash as always, as her recall is not 100%. She has worked up enough training to be allowed the freedom of an extending leash, that can be locked shorter when passing other trail users. You will see our extending leash in the pictures of this article, but just like off-leash freedom, make sure your dog has some training prior to using a leash longer than 6 feet.)

An additional warning: Hunting is allowed here during hunting season. So be aware of when local hunting seasons open and close.

Finally, respect the groomed ski trails and avoid walking on them during skiing season if possible. According to Wisconsin law, it is “unlawful” to allow your dog on groomed ski trails during the skiing season.

Why We Enjoy This Forest:

Beyond the seclusion of the Coulee Experimental Forest, we like this trail for a variety of reasons. If you start from Russlan Coulee Road, you get a hike that heads upwards first. Glia and I always like coming downhill when we are tired (or at least I do. I don’t know if Glia cares). You can either take the wide gentle trail up, or after crossing a small bridge on the main trail, you can take a right for a steeper, smaller trail. Either way, you will get a lollipop loop if starting from Russlan Coulee Rd.

At the top of the hill, you can meander around a few interconnected loops on mostly a flat, forested terrain. We love the variety of interconnected trails, as it allows us to pick the length of our hike more efficiently. I recommend downloading the trail map to your phone ahead of time, as there are minimal maps posted and you will probably lose cell phone service on this hike. A map can be found at the DNR’s Coulee Forest website.

Other La Crosse Trails

This is the last in our series of main trails that Glia and I frequent in/near La Crosse, WI. But we are always looking for more trails to discover. Do you know of any good trails in the area?

If you want to find out more about the other trails Glia and I love around La Crosse, check out any of the posts listed below.

]]>http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/coulee-experimental-forest-nearly-hidden-hiking-experience/feed/0966La Crosse Blufflands Project: Great Dog Friendly Hikinghttp://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/la-crosse-blufflands-dog-friendly-hiking/
http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/la-crosse-blufflands-dog-friendly-hiking/#respondThu, 22 Feb 2018 03:31:47 +0000http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/?p=962If you like to hike and have lived in or near La Crosse, Wisconsin for any period of time, you know about Hixon Forest. You have probably also heard about Goose Island. But you may not know about all of the small pieces of land set aside as part of the La Crosse Blufflands Project. Between 2002 and 2009, the Mississippi Valley Conservancy partnered with the City of La Crosse to protect nearly 1000 acres of bluffland for public recreation....

]]>If you like to hike and have lived in or near La Crosse, Wisconsin for any period of time, you know about Hixon Forest. You have probably also heard about Goose Island. But you may not know about all of the small pieces of land set aside as part of the La Crosse Blufflands Project.

Between 2002 and 2009, the Mississippi Valley Conservancy partnered with the City of La Crosse to protect nearly 1000 acres of bluffland for public recreation. According to the La Crosse Blufflands Project website, there are 4 main trails.

Mathy (also known as “the Quarry” or Medary Quarry)

Located near Hixon Forest (at the dead end of Country Road FA), Mathy tract (or the the Quarry) is a great area to explore with your dog. The property totals 453 acres and is overall a fairly gentle hike. It offers a mix of forest and open areas with great views of bluff rock and the valleys behind the bluffs.

These trails are fairly popular and the small parking lot is often full on weekends. However, with over 400 acres, the trails do not feel crowded once you are out hiking.

There is one main loop trail (about 1.5 miles) that heads down into the old Quarry, loops around and then heads back to the parking lot. This is were you will encounter most of the traffic at this site. However, there are also several trails that extended further into the preserved land. Below is a picture of Glia taking in the view from down inside the old quarry area.

A bonus feature of the Quarry, is that it connects to the human powered trails in upper Hixon forest. This means you have access to another 12 miles of interconnected trails.. You can reach these trails from the parking lot or loop into them during your hike. The human powered trails are mostly forested, as seen below.

Glia and I love the Quarry trails when the steep bluff trails are muddy, icy or otherwise slippery. We can still get out to the bluffs without worrying about sliding down them.

Beck/Miller (also known as Miller Bluff)

Miller Bluff is located conveniently close to the Quarry. To reach Miller Bluff, drive down FA and park in the Quarry parking lot (this is the closest parking). Then walk down the Rim of the City Rd cul-de-sac. At the end of the cul-de-sac, you will have access to both Hixon Forest trails and Miller Bluff. The hike from the cul-de-sac to the edge of the bluff is relatively short, but grants access to a beautiful view of La Crosse.

Alternatively, if you are driving in from Highway 16, you can park at the bottom of the bluff and hike up. The hike up is relatively steep, but is a very enjoyable, short hike and ends with this view. This trail is supposedly 2-3 miles long. I am assuming this is the round trip length from the bottom of the bluff.

If you want to make this hike longer – just connect with Hixon or the Quarry.

Hass Trail

On the south side of La Crosse, you will find a lovely out and back trail. The trailhead, and associated small dirt parking lot, is hidden back on Easter Road, but once you find this trail, you will find yourself wanting to return often. The start of this trail parallels a small creek created by run-off from the bluffs. There is a peaceful secluded feel as you enter along the babbling water and beneath a canopy of trees. The trail then winds it way up ending in a great view of La Crosse and the Mississippi River. Hass trail is about 2 miles out and back.

Skemp/Lennox

The last trail listed on the La Crosse Blufflands Project website is Skemp/Lennox. It is located in Onalaska with a trail head next to Bethany Evangelical Church. It is listed as an out and back hike, but actually a paved trail that connects with the Medary Quarry trails. So if you are coming in to La Crosse from the interstate or just live north of La Crosse, this trailhead is a great option.

Welch/Juniper Trails

This trail is not listed on the La Crosse Blufflands Project website, but is another protected bluff area and is included in the La Crosse Tribune’s article “Bluffland Trails: The Backyard You Didn’t Know You Had”. This trail is another southside option. And it sounds like the Mississippi Valley Conservency is looking to connect these two trails with the Hass trail. Currently, these trails are both about 1/2 mile in length, so are definitely shorter trails compared to the others on this list.

Cliffside Bluff

While the Cliffside Bluff trail is not listed in either of the two articles I have previously mentioned, it is another great little southside trail. Like the Miller Bluff Trail and Hass Trail, this hike starts at the base of the bluff and heads upwards for wonderful views. A trailhead can be found off of Old Vineyard Road (in the neighborhood behind the old k-mart. I think the parking lot just has a Hardee’s now).

There is something so rewarding about ending a hike with views like this. They might not be mountain views, but they are still rewarding.

Overall, the trails of the La Crosse Blufflands Project are great additions to add variety to your local La Crosse hiking routine. All allow dogs on leashes. And as an extra bonus, on weekdays, Glia and I often have these trails to ourselves.

Do you know of any “hidden” hiking locations in or near La Crosse? Let us know about them in the comments section below.

]]>http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/la-crosse-blufflands-dog-friendly-hiking/feed/0962Happy Valentine’s Dayhttp://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/happy-valentines-day/
http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/happy-valentines-day/#respondWed, 14 Feb 2018 16:42:05 +0000http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/?p=947How will you spend your Valentine’s day? Going out for a romantic dinner, eating chocolates, or smelling a fresh bouquet of roses? This year, I am spending Valentine’s day with my furry valentines – going for a hike with Glia and cuddling on the couch with Frisko. We hope that each of our readers has something special planned for their own four-legged companions. Feeling hard-pressed to come up with ideas on how to celebrate Valentine’s day with your pets? Check...

]]>How will you spend your Valentine’s day? Going out for a romantic dinner, eating chocolates, or smelling a fresh bouquet of roses? This year, I am spending Valentine’s day with my furry valentines – going for a hike with Glia and cuddling on the couch with Frisko. We hope that each of our readers has something special planned for their own four-legged companions.

Valentine’s day chocolates:

While there are many fun Valentine’s day activities that can be enjoyed with pets, there are also risks to pets that can increase on holidays. One of the biggest risks to pets on any holiday involves the food. And on Valentine’s day, the big risk is chocolate toxicity.

A couple weeks ago, Pawsitively Intrepid added a post about human foods that pets shouldn’t eat. As stated there, chocolate is probably the most widely known food toxicity for pets. Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical similar to caffeine. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. So a dog or cat that consumes white chocolate is at a much lower risk than a dog that eats baker’s chocolate.

Other risks associated with chocolates include the nuts or fruits added to the sweet treats. For example, macadamia nuts and raisins are both toxic to pets independent of chocolate.

What happens if your pet eats chocolate?

If it is a low enough dose, nothing. However, if your pet eats enough to cause symptoms, the first signs are typically vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity. This can progress to tremors, seizures, hyperthermia (high temperature) and a racing heartbeat. Ultimately, a high enough dose can result in death. Signs typically occur within 6 to 12 hours and can take up to 4 days to resolve completely.

How do you know if your pet ate enough to cause toxicity?

I like to use a handy chocolate toxicity calculator, like the one posted below, as a quick reference guide. I also have a “chocolate toxicity wheel” in my house and at work to help quickly ascertain whether or not a dog has eaten enough to cause significant concern. The equivalent of the “toxicity wheel” is also available as a mobile app.

Despite the widespread availability of chocolate toxicity calculators, I always recommend confirming your results with a veterinarian. I have yet to find a quick calculator for cats. But luckily, cats do not find chocolate as appealing as dogs.

What to do if your pet ingests a toxic dose of chocolate?

Call your veterinarian. They will help you figure out how to treat your pet for the best possible outcome.

Remember, keep your pets safe and have a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

]]>http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/happy-valentines-day/feed/0947National Pet Dental Health Monthhttp://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/national-pet-dental-health-month/
http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/national-pet-dental-health-month/#respondWed, 07 Feb 2018 22:26:34 +0000http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/?p=934Did you know that February is National Pet Dental Health Month? As humans, most of us have a regular dental hygiene routine. We brush twice a day, attempt to floss at least once a day, and see our dentists/dental hygienists twice a year. We do this to keep our teeth as healthy as possible and address concerns as soon as they arise. The month of February is a great reminder to recognize that pets need dental health care just as...

]]>Did you know that February is National Pet Dental Health Month? As humans, most of us have a regular dental hygiene routine. We brush twice a day, attempt to floss at least once a day, and see our dentists/dental hygienists twice a year. We do this to keep our teeth as healthy as possible and address concerns as soon as they arise. The month of February is a great reminder to recognize that pets need dental health care just as much as we do.

How to care for your pet’s teeth:

Just like people, the best at home care for your pet’s teeth is brushing. Studies recommend brushing at least 5 times per week or more to reduce plaque/tartar build-up. Even though the task may sound daunting, a little training can go a long way.

The first step is making sure that your dog or cat is comfortable having his/her mouth handled. Make it fun and reward with treats.

Once your pet is comfortable with your hands around their mouth, upgrade to getting them used to the brush. For dogs, I typically use a soft-bristled human tooth brush. If you have a small dog or cat, you may want to try a finger brush or a pet-specific toothbrush. Most pet toothbrushes have a smaller head/bristle area. I like to start by putting a pet flavored tooth paste on the brush and letting my pets lick it off. Caution: I had one client whose dog thought the treat on the toothbrush was tasty enough that they bit off the whole head of the toothbrush and swallowed it. If your dog is prone to gulping treats, you might want to start with a plain tooth brush (no toothpaste or treats added) first. Then you can reward with separate treats when your pet shows interest in the toothbrush. Rewarding the most when they allow the toothbrush into their mouth.

Once your pet is excited to see the toothbrush, you can start slowly brushing. At the beginning, I start with short sessions and work up to brushing the entire mouth. You do not have to worry much about the insides of your pets teeth (unless they have a specific health concern there) as most of the plaque/tartar build-up occurs on the outside of the teeth.

What if you can’t or don’t want to brush your pet’s teeth daily?

I encourage everyone to attempt to start a daily teeth brushing routine with their pets. Just about any pet will accept a toothbrush if introduced slowly. If you know you won’t be able to brush frequently enough, find some dental chews/treats to give on days you don’t brush. Look for the VOHC seal on dental care products to know that they have been tested and proven to aid in the reduction of plaque or tartar or both.

And of course, full dental cleanings provided by your veterinarian pair wonderfully with any amount of teeth brushing. A full oral exam and cleaning under anesthesia is the best way to find, treat, and prevent oral health problems in our pets. See your local veterinarian for more details about dental cleanings. Many veterinary clinics will be running specials this month in honor of National Pet Dental Health Month, so don’t wait. Talk to your vet about your pet’s dental health this month!

]]>http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/national-pet-dental-health-month/feed/0934Why Pets Shouldn’t Eat Avocados + 9 Other Foods to Avoidhttp://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/why-pets-shouldnt-eat-avocados-other-foods-to-avoid/
http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/why-pets-shouldnt-eat-avocados-other-foods-to-avoid/#respondThu, 01 Feb 2018 01:12:47 +0000http://pawsitivelyintrepid.com/?p=920As a veterinarian, it seems that everyone knows that cats and dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate, but what about other frequently consumed human foods. Check out the list below for information on human foods that our furry companions should avoid and why. 1. Avocados (Dogs and Cats) Avocados contain a toxin called persin. Birds and ruminants (like cows) are very susceptible to this toxin and should never be fed avocadoes. While dogs and cats are far less sensitive, they can still...

]]>As a veterinarian, it seems that everyone knows that cats and dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate, but what about other frequently consumed human foods. Check out the list below for information on human foods that our furry companions should avoid and why.

1. Avocados (Dogs and Cats)

Avocados contain a toxin called persin. Birds and ruminants (like cows) are very susceptible to this toxin and should never be fed avocadoes. While dogs and cats are far less sensitive, they can still develop vomiting and diarrhea when feed avocados. And absolutely never feed your dog the whole avocado with the pit/seed included. The large seed creates risk for a foreign body obstruction if swallowed whole.

2. Corn Cobs (Dogs)

While we are on the subject of foreign body obstructions, corn cobs are a big culprit of obstuctions in dogs. Never give your dog a corn cob to chew on. Corn kernels, however, are just fine.

3. Stems, leaves, and seeds of fruit like Apricots, Cherries, and Apples (Dogs and Cats)

The seeds, leaves, and stems of apricots and cherries contain cyanide (as does the core/seeds of an apple for that matter). Dogs and cats who eat apricots whole (not just the flesh) can develop cyanide toxicity and have difficulty breathing that can lead to shock and death.

4. Macademia Nuts (Mostly Dogs)

While more toxic to dogs than cats, macademia nuts can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors and an increased heart rate in both species. Symptoms typically occur within 3 to 12 hours of ingestion.

5. Bread Dough (Mostly Dogs)

While eating a large amount of bread dough can lead to problems in either species, dogs tend to be the ones gulping down large helpings of bread dough. Bread dough can expand in the stomach resulting in a bloated stomach. This can progress to a twisted stomach – which is called a gastric-dilatation volvulus (GDV). GDV is a life threatening disorder resulting in shock. Early symptoms include vomiting, non-productive retching, and a distended stomach.

A second concern with bread dough is that when the yeast is fermented, it results in the production of carbon dioxide and alcohol. The carbon dioxide release is part of the pathway that can lead to bloat. The alcohol can result in alcohol poisoning which can result in drops in blood sugar, blood pressure, and body temperature. So also, please never let your pets consume alcohol. .

6. Grapes, Raisins, and Currants (Dogs)

Many people are unaware that grapes are also toxic to your dog. The mechanism of action is not clearly understood, but ingestion of grapes, raisins, or currants can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially (days later) kidney failure. The symptoms are not necessarily dose-dependent, as even small amounts can cause these symptoms in some dogs. There have even been anecdotal reports of cats and ferrets being affected, but this mostly just affects dogs.

7. Garlic and Onions (Dogs and Cats)

The Allium family, which includes onions, garlic, chives and leeks are poisonous to both dogs and cats at large enough doses. Garlic is considered about 5x as toxic as onions for both species, with cats being overall more sensitive than dogs. Interestingly, Japanese breeds of dogs, like Akitas and Shiba Inus are more sensitive than other dog breeds.

Garlic and onions both cause oxidative damage to red blood cells. This results in anemia. Symptoms of oxidative anemia include lethargy, pale gums, breathing faster, and weakness. Pets can also experience stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea from consumption of either seasoning. The onset of these symptoms can sometimes take several days to develop.

8. Star Fruit (Dogs and Cats)

Star Fruit can contain calcium oxalates. If ingested in large quantities, this can result in poisoning in dogs and cats. the oxalate salts are absorbed from the stomach and intestinal tract. They then bind with the body’s calcium, resulting in a sudden drop in calcium. Rarely, acute renal failure can also be seen from ingestion of this fruit.

9. Xylitol (Dogs)

Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener that is used in many chewing gums, snacks, toothpastes, etc. It has recently been seen in some peanut butters also. In dogs, ingestion of small amounts of xylitol can cause blood sugar levels to drop within 10-15 minutes. Ingesting larger amounts can result in liver damage. Symptoms include weakness, lethargy, collapse, tremors, seizures, vomiting, black stool, and in worst cases, death.

10. Chocolate (Mostly Dogs)

And finally, chocolate. Many of us know that chocolate is toxic to dogs, but here is why. Chocolate poisoning is due to the theobromine in the chocolate. This is a chemical similar to caffeine. When ingested, it causes vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst, abnormal heart beat, seizures, and sometimes even death. Dogs make up about 95% of chocolate causes, as cats typically do not choose to eat chocolate. Also note that the amount of theobromine in chocolate varies with type of chocolate. Generally, the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. A milk or white chocolate doesn’t cause too much concern in small amounts. But beware Baker’s chocolate, dark chocolate, and cocoa powder.

If your pet ingests any of the above foods:

Call your veterinarian. They can help you determine if your pet ate enough of the toxic substance to cause concern. I recommend having hydrogen peroxide on hand (as part of your pet first aid kit) in case your veterinarian wants you to induce vomiting at home. And remember, the best medicine is prevention. Keep the above foods out of your pets mouth and there will be nothing to worry about.